HPP Lead - Packing

HPP Lead - Four Seasons Produce

Location: Ephrata, PA
Schedule: First shift (5 days × 8 hours) with steady workloads and optional overtime
Pay: $25/hour

The HPP Lead plays an essential leadership role as a backup to Senior Lead in our High-Pressure Processing operation and broader warehouse workflows. This position is responsible for supporting and filling in for the Senior Lead in leading a team of HPP Operators, managing customer relationships, owning work-center performance, running warehouse functions, and ensuring production excellence that is aligned with Four Seasons Produce values.

Role Summary

The HPP Lead ensures smooth daily operations, accurate production execution, exceptional customer service, and strong team performance. This role blends technical HPP expertise with people leadership and hands-on operational work. The ideal candidate leads with integrity, champions safety, and drives high performance in a fast-paced, high-standards environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Model and uphold Four Seasons values in all leadership decisions and interactions.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of HPP Operators; provide ongoing feedback, training, and accountability.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Promote continuous improvement, problem-solving, and a food-safety-first mindset.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for customer partners using HPP services.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through timely communication and service excellence.
• Ensure all customer specifications, SOPs, and documentation requirements are followed accurately.

Operations & Work-Center Management

• Manage daily HPP operations to meet schedules, yields, and quality standards.
• Execute and oversee all core HPP functions:
• Staging product
• Loading/unloading baskets
• Running HPP cycles per SOPs
• Lot control, paperwork, and inventory accuracy
• Proper use, cleaning, and storage of tools and equipment
• Partner with Facilities Maintenance on machine checks, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe production environment.

Work-Center Execution & Reporting

• Lead and execute work-center tasks, including:
• Processing work orders
• Scanning and tracking product
• Recording actual labor
• Verifying paperwork, yields, lot codes, and production accuracy
• Coordinate daily workflow with Warehouse, Quality Control, Maintenance, and Transportation teams.

Warehouse Management

• Ensure safety is the top priority for every task.
• Lead the team in executing warehouse functions, including:
• Operating high-reach lifts, pallet jacks, center riders, pacers, and related equipment
• Using warehouse management and Vocollect systems
• Receiving inbound product
• Replenishing pick slots and restocking racks
• Picking orders and performing breakdowns
• Loading and unloading trailers
• Support ongoing improvements in quality, inventory accuracy, and warehouse efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience in HPP operations, food manufacturing, or warehouse production.
• Leadership experience (team lead, trainer, crew leader, or similar).
• Strong understanding of production workflows, safety practices, and quality requirements.
• Ability to coach associates, build trust, and address performance issues.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.
• Proficiency with warehouse systems, RF scanning, and data entry.
• Ability to lift 65 lbs., stand/walk throughout the shift, and work in a 35°F cold environment.

Why This Role Matters

The HPP Lead ensures Four Seasons Produce delivers safe, high-quality products with accuracy, consistency, and outstanding service. This role strengthens customer partnerships, elevates team performance, and drives operational excellence within a growing and strategically important part of our business.